Talk smoothly, and let the music flow

Updated on: Monday, August 03, 2009

With radio stations a big hit nowadays, the need for good RJs is keenly felt

Crucial: RJs must have the gift of the gab

The rise in the number of radio stations across the country has also brought in its wake a corresponding demand for radio jockeys.

Though the wannabes are making a virtual scramble to be heard out loud and clear on the air waves, decline in the quality of their output has led to institutes offering standard and professional guidance for radio jockeys.

India already has more than 260 radio stations offering a variety of programmes to keep the upwardly mobile entertained, particularly while they are on the move in their automobiles. With an additional 700 new radio stations expected to be launched in the second phase of the radio revolution currently sweeping the country, professionally-trained radio jockeys are the need of the hour.

The station manager of a private radio station is of the opinion that the need for quality RJs is acutely felt in tier-2 cities, where several radio stations had already made a foray. The gap between demand and availability is expected to widen in the coming months, he said.

Coordinator of EMDI Institute of Media Communication, Bangalore, Lavanya Kaleeswaram, said radio jockeying has become a popular career option for the younger generation. A number of institutes have begun offering courses to meet the needs of radio stations.

According to professionals in the radio industry, any interested person can try his hand in this profession. But there are several requirements. A radio enthusiast should necessarily have a good command over language, besides extremely good communicative techniques. Proper voice modulation, good sense of music and a good sense of humour are also among the desired characters.

Though the candidates have to pass the entrance test and interviews conducted by the institute, a degree is not exactly a pre-requisite. For, even the radio stations do not insist on a degree before employing radio jockeys.

“Many radio jockeys begin by reading from a prepared script. An RJ should be spontaneous and quick witted,” said Lavanya before adding that training can actually prove that “Radio jockeys can also be made. They need not necessarily be born.”

The candidates are taught in a practical mode where studios help them feel like professionals. Some of the institutes even have a tie-up with radio stations and give the students a chance to go on air.

The Bangalore Academy of Broadcasting has completed a year of functioning. Its’ Centre Head Yatish Jain said the institute works in collaboration with The Radio School of U.K. and offers the same curriculum as offered in England as this helps in maintaining international standards. The institute offers Diploma in Radio Station Operation and Management, a three-month course. So far, 35 students have passed out of this institute.

“The future of radio in India is yet untapped. The community radio stations are playing a major role in the growth of radio business. But, there is a need to fine-tune the accent of the RJs to improve the quality of the fare they offer,” Mr. Jain said.

EMDI Institute of Media and Communication will also be shortly offering radio jockeying courses along with the other media courses provided. “We are in the process of selecting our first batch of students,” said Lavanya.

Talk smoothly, and let the music flow

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